Emancipation of Minors
"The Emancipation of Minors" in Current Trends in State Legislation 1955-1956 (University of Michigan Law School) at 263.
Victoria University of Wellington Legal Research Paper Series Richardson Paper No. 87
52 Pages Posted: 29 Apr 2013 Last revised: 15 Feb 2015
Date Written: 1956
Abstract
Traditionally under common law the father held a position of supreme authority in the family. He had the right to control the conduct and services of his child and was entitled to the earnings of his child until he or she reached the age of 21. However, in certain circumstances the child was considered free from parental authority. This paper discusses the problems that arise when a child is emancipated and the desirability of bringing the law governing this area into line with social change and policy. The paper explores the common law and statutes concerning the emancipation of minors by parental act and by operation of law. It finishes with the draft of a statute designed to address the problems arising from emancipation.
Keywords: Family Law, Emancipation of Minors, Rights of a Child, Changes in Social Attitudes
JEL Classification: K10, K30
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation